Prep sports profile: Ashley Montanez

March 04, 2013

Ashely Montanez of Rolling Meadows High School holds her team's supersectional plaque after its win against Evanston.

It’s possible that Ashley Montanez’s physical play may have been overlooked on a deep Rolling Meadows team that went 30-4 on the season. However, her contributions on both ends of the floor propelled the Mustangs to take second in a close Class 4A state final game on March 2.

Montanez's coachRyan Kirkorsky, who has 17 years experience (including five as a head coach), says that Motanez "is an underrated player on a team with a lot of stars." Of her contributions to the team, he says she "is a dominant force on the inside and a huge part of our success this season. As good as Ashley has been, her ceiling is unlimited."

Athlete: Ashley Montanez

School: Rolling Meadows

Age/year in school: 16/Junior

Sport: Basketball

Position: Forward/Center

How long have you played basketball? 5 years

What do you love most about basketball?

Competing and being able to play the game as a team.

What was your biggest challenge this season? How did you overcome it?

To step up my game and be as physical as possible. I overcame this challenge by starting in practice and having tough physical teammates who pushed me in practice.

What was your favorite moment of this season? Why?

Winning the super-sectional, making Rolling Meadows High School history and being able to celebrate with the team.

Do you have any rituals or superstitions when you play?

As a team we have so many. We have to sit in a specific order all the time, our rain dance and Sami Kay is not allowed to wash her jersey all throughout post season.

Who has inspired you most in your athletic endeavors?

My teammates have inspired me the most because I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am now without each and every one of them.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Joakim Noah because he never gives up on plays and goes hard in the paint. He’s an insane rebounder.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside basketball?

Volleyball

Favorite quote or words to live by:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Edited by Lauren Comitor. Local high school athletes who would like to be featured in TribLocal should email triblocaltips@tribune.com.